Saw my name under Sacramento but had not gotten an email, just checking to see if it is me or if another Jeff W applied and got in. If you need to check the name against an email address or phone number, provided on the entry form, please PM me or message me on facebook and I will send it privately.

Same here.  I see my name but I never got an email.  How can we find out if this is us or someone with the same first name and last initial.

So how come, when I go back to search the names chosen for the Tower Guard the same 7 names are listed (plus 3 new ones) as the Memory Keepers in the same bookstore.  When I saw my name last time I was told it was someone else with the same first name which is not a common name. Seeing it again made me go look at the names from the last signing.  I thought it would be all new people who were never chosen before.

tinymitymo can you post a link to those chosen for tower guards. I would be interested to see the list. Thanks.

Sad now =(

This piqued my interest as well. Here's the list - tinymitymo is referring to the Hanover, MD folks. Maybe a coincidence?

http://www.dragonmount.com/index.php/News/tom/tower-guards-selected-r43

I am looking at the San Francisco book signing. How do I apply for a Memory Keeper?

I am looking at the San Francisco book signing. How do I apply for a Memory Keeper?

I'm afraid you're too late.

I am looking at the San Francisco book signing. How do I apply for a Memory Keeper?

Yeah, the application was put up here... well, probably about a month ago now. The application deadline was Dec. 7. Sorry, Puff. :(

Woot! Woot! I am so excited to be a Memory Keeper for the Raleigh location!

Well I don't think that is fair! They had there chance, and that should have been stated in the rules, but why start following the stated rules now! We where told everyone would get an email, and only the ones chosen got notified! I for one will NOT be attending the signing!!! Nor will I be buying the book when it comes out, if I do decide to buy the book, I will buy it from a used book store. That way I know my money will not be going to support a website that can't follow what they setup for a contest!!!! But what can you expect from The Tower, they tell you one thing, and do what they want, even if it goes against what they said. So sad!!!!

Jennifer, that sucks. I bet that put you guys in a real tough spot. :( I'm glad you were able to work it out, but it's really sad for all the rest who applied in Baltimore.

Wintersong, please rethink your words.  It takes a lot of work to send out all those emails, and as Jenn already stated, a lot of them bounced back.  Can you even imagine how many people applied?  She is only one person, and it is over the Christmas week.  This is a stressful time.  Did she even say anywhere that she will NOT be sending out emails to those that got denied?  She simply hasn't gotten to it yet.  Also, she did say there were new people for the Baltimore group, but some of them were previous ones as well.  I urge you to rethink your post.

Well I don't think that is fair! They had there chance, and that should have been stated in the rules, but why start following the stated rules now! We where told everyone would get an email, and only the ones chosen got notified! I for one will NOT be attending the signing!!! Nor will I be buying the book when it comes out, if I do decide to buy the book, I will buy it from a used book store. That way I know my money will not be going to support a website that can't follow what they setup for a contest!!!! But what can you expect from The Tower, they tell you one thing, and do what they want, even if it goes against what they said. So sad!!!!

I think you are out of line here.  Jenn explained what was going on with that signing and I think its the right thing to do. 

Please explain what there is to think about? As the post says for the application "You cannot serve as a Memory Keeper for more than one event in this tour, and we regret that we cannot choose you again if you were chosen as a Storm Leader or Tower Guard in previous years."!!!! This was copy and pasted from the application post! "We will be contacting everyone via e-mail within a week of the deadline to let you know if you have been selected or not.!!!! Also "Jennifer sent a mass email to all chosen to be Memory Keepers about two hours ago today. She said on Twitter that some emails had bounced, and she would post the full list on Dragonmount on the 26th (and also asked kindly not to be flooded with requests from people before then as she'll be with family for Christmas!)." Did this happen NO!!!!!! This Jennifer was to busy to post on the 26th. We where told lies!!!! So please explain to me why I should stand in line to buy a book at an event that has been rigged? Why should I spend my hard earned money to support an author that has people working for him that can not/will not follow what they say they are going to do??? Just like The Tower in the books, they say one thing and do some thing else!!!!! I have read all the books up till now, and I am sorry to say I will NOT be buying ever, and I will not be buying an more books by Mr. Sanderson or James Oliver Rigney, Jr aka Robert Jordan! So please tell me what there is to think about, or rethink???????

Wow Wintersong..... Chill out, the Dragonmount staff works hard to do what they can for the fans. You're throwing a childish temper tantrum. Be thankful that a journey some have been on for 20 or more years is coming to a close. Celebrate. These next few weeks are what we've been waiting for for a very long time - don't let something this meaningless spoil it.

Please explain what there is to think about? As the post says for the application "You cannot serve as a Memory Keeper for more than one event in this tour, and we regret that we cannot choose you again if you were chosen as a Storm Leader or Tower Guard in previous years."!!!!

And there was a situation with that one last year, as Jenn explained.

This was copy and pasted from the application post! "We will be contacting everyone via e-mail within a week of the deadline to let you know if you have been selected or not.!!!!

And then DM was attacked by Spambots, was down for... 3 days straight? And has been buggy ever since because of that and the update. They have been working extensively to get that taken care of 

Also "Jennifer sent a mass email to all chosen to be Memory Keepers about two hours ago today. She said on Twitter that some emails had bounced, and she would post the full list on Dragonmount on the 26th (and also asked kindly not to be flooded with requests from people before then as she'll be with family for Christmas!)." Did this happen NO!!!!!! This Jennifer was to busy to post on the 26th. We where told lies!!!!

1) She sent a mass email TO ALL CHOSEN.

2) The 26th was CHRISTMAS. Stuff happens

3) Are you telling me that you've never been late for anything in your life? That you meant to do something and fully intended to do it but things just didn't work out? You do not know the full situation

So please explain to me why I should stand in line to buy a book at an event that has been rigged?

Because it wasn't

Why should I spend my hard earned money to support an author that has people working for him that can not/will not follow what they say they are going to do???

1) Because the series is awesome

2) Because they do ALL OF THE TIME. Are you not a member here? The Admins especially work miracles around here EVERY DAY. One thing didn't go exactly according to plan. It happens. 

Just like The Tower in the books, they say one thing and do some thing else!!!!! I have read all the books up till now, and I am sorry to say I will NOT be buying ever, and I will not be buying an more books by Mr. Sanderson or James Oliver Rigney, Jr aka Robert Jordan! 

Shame. You're missing out. I feel sorry for you. 

So please tell me what there is to think about, or rethink???????

The way you are handling this situation.

What exactly do you hope to accomplish with this if I may ask?

Congrats to all selected! be Proud. ill see the memory keepers in feburary. until then enjoy the book.

What was the criteria you looked for? I'm disappointed about not being selected and found the sign up form odd. There were only one line input boxes for the selections, making it appear that this was more of a contest than an application process. I did fill it out fully, but it was rather vague and didn't state what you were looking for. This, coupled with the massive delays and the failure to notify all applicants in a timely manner, has left a bad taste in my mouth regarding this site. This was a poorly executed process.

As an applicant who was not selected, I am disappointed as well; less about the rejection of my application than the failure to follow through on the stated commitment to let ALL applicants know whether they had beeen chosen.  While I understand the press of the holidays, the problemsx caused by the spam attaacks and the difficulties imposed by what I am assuming was a very large number of applicants, I am reminded of a motto a military friend of mine uses.  "All excuses are good excuses - None of them are accepted."

In this case, a commitment was made to all applicants and not followed through on.  It's really as simple as that.  Now that the list has beeb publicly posted, I suspect there is little reason or motivation to follow up with the rejected applicants.  While I doubt my experience is unique, it may provide some insight into why some folk may have a bad taste intheir mouth.

First, the deadline for application was December 7th.  That date was fixed with no exceptions allowed.  Like many others, I really wanted to be selected.  A memory of Light represents the end of a 20 year journey for me as well as most everyone here.  I spent a fair amount of time planning, thinking about and drafting my responses for the application.  The week of the 7th, my work schedule was brutal.  regardless, I made time to prepare and submit my application on time.

In order to make certain that I would not miss any response, in my application, I provided my work email address, something which is highly frowned upon at my place of employment.

In the post setting out the application procedures, we were informed that ALL applicants would be notified one way or another within a week of the application deadline which would have been December 14th.

Starting December 10th, I began checking my email every morning, including my junk mail and spam folders because I thougt that if I was accepted, I might be required to provide a quick reply.  When the commitment to make a decision by the 14th was not kept, I began checking here and learned about the spam issues (which I still think is a reasonable cause for delay). Figuring there might be a problem with email, I continued to check both here and my email every day. 

As of the 20th, I had to leave town to visit relatives for the holidays.  While there, I had no way to check my work email and very limited internet access.  I actually worried while I was gone, that I might have been accepted and lost the oportunity because I was not able to confirm my interest promptly.

When I returned home, I found myself unable to get to work the next day (today the 28th) due to a snow storm, so I remoted in in order to check my email and was disappointed to see no message.  I then checked here and saw the list.

In defense of those of us who feel some frustration I will state that while not being selected is a disappointment, the failure to send a courtesy email as promised adds to that feeling a sense that my application was not even worthy of a response.  I do not know if others felt that way, and I am certain that those making the selections did not intend to send that message, but that is what ultimately leaves a bad taste.

In my case, one of the reasons I applied was because I had a theory/question that I had wanted to ask about for years.  Because I am somewhat reserved and sensitive to flame attacks, it is very difficult to for me to speak up at public events or post here (Trust me, aside from the folk who relish the opportunity to lecture posters about using the search function, I recognize that this issue is all mine).  I had hoped therefor that with the opportunity to be in a smaller forum with Brandon and Harriet, I would be able to present my theory/ask my question.

I was also surprised and a bit othered by the decision to let former Tower Guards serve as Memory Keepers when the rules so clearly stated that would not happen.

The solution for both of these issues would have been the same.  Clearer communication at the beginning.  Having been in the position of having to choose between applicants for numerous position, I understand the desire to be fair.  You really do want to let everyone know personally.  However, that is not always possible.  Therefore, a simple statement up front that succesful applicants would be notified and their names posted with no promise to notify unsuccesful applicants along with a statement that in one case, former Tower Guards might be selected to rectify prior problems would have avoided a lot of needless angst.

In the second situation, I am not sure I understand why new Memory Keepers could not have been selected and the prior Tower Guards allowed to attend the private meetings with Harriet and Brandon,  None of these groups is so large as to make that solution unwieldy.

Regardless, although I understand Wintersong's feelings, I do not intend to cut off my nose to spite my face.  Congrats to all the memory keepers.  I will be at the signing and will do my damndest to screw my courage to the sticking point to raise my hand and ask. 

In the second situation, I am not sure I understand why new Memory Keepers could not have been selected and the prior Tower Guards allowed to attend the private meetings with Harriet and Brandon,  None of these groups is so large as to make that solution unwieldy.

 

Regardless, although I understand Wintersong's feelings, I do not intend to cut off my nose to spite my face.  Congrats to all the memory keepers.  I will be at the signing and will do my damndest to screw my courage to the sticking point to raise my hand and ask. 

When I see posts like yours, it almost makes me feel bad for being chosen. But when I see people like Wintersong, all I can do is shrug and say "your loss". I do agree with you about your point regarding the former Tower Guards. That was the exact thought I had the moment I read Jennifer's post about why they are coming back.

I also want to say to you, sir, that there will always be people who want to throw sand in your face and kick you when you down, or poke fun and flame you, but that's no reason to stand down. This may be the last opportunity you get to find an answer to your question, and no amount of flaming from others will be enough to make it worth wondering forever. Who knows? Maybe you'll get some thoughtful nods. Don't let the fear of pricks keep you from enjoying your experience at the signing. :)

Wow.  I'm sorry I stirred up such a tempest.  If I hadn't looked back probably nobody would have noticed that there were repeat names.  It's just that it was so disappointing to see my name and get the rush but then get the crush that it isn't me.  Twice now.  =(

I'll be there anyway.  My son will be with me as he wants to show off his leather armor Halloween costume made with this event in mind.

I also have the privilege of having had my name chosen for one of the bit characters in the book.  Although if that hit the cutting room floor I will be doubly crushed.  Finger's crossed.

In twitchy anticipation for January 8........

I also have the privilege of having had my name chosen for one of the bit characters in the book.  Although if that hit the cutting room floor I will be doubly crushed.  Finger's crossed.

 

In twitchy anticipation for January 8........

That's awesome! I'd have loved that. I mean, even though it's not my name and it wasn't chosen for me or because of me, I take my claim to fame through Captain Creedin in Towers of Midnight. I have a Captain Creedin (even though he's Seanchan...) in Prophecies of the Pattern. lol

Part of me understands that it's a really, REALLY bad idea to respond to the criticism here being leveled at Jenn, Jason, and Dragonmount in general. That's the left side of my brain talking, and ordinarily, it gets what it wants. But not today. 

(Full disclaimer: I am NOT on staff at Dragonmount.com. I was, a long time ago, the leader of the Aiel Org [i think they're called social groups here now] and as such have some idea of what goes on behind the scenes. My experience is old here however, and I'm sure a lot has changed since I was last part of that structure. Also, I count Jennifer and James L. and Jason as personal friends, even if I haven't been able to see them in a decade.)

I'll start with responding to what Big_Boppa wrote, as I feel s/he was respectful and made good points. I'm sorry you weren't chosen, and you feel like you might not be able to ask your question. If you send me a private message here at DM, I will ask it for you, and let you know what the response is by January 10. Would it have helped if communication regarding the situation were better, more transparent? Sure, it probably would have. But we have to understand a few things when we consider this.

First, the timing. With the book being released in early January, that always meant the timing of organizing the Memory Keepers was going to be difficult. The holidays are busy for people. You want to spend time with your families and loved ones. Often people will go out of town to celebrate, much like you did. Going through what I imagine were hundreds of applications if not thousands is an arduous process. Doing this so close to a holiday just adds to that. Doing this while dealing with Dragonmount being attacked with a DDOS...Well, that makes things exponentially more difficult in my opinion.  

Second, and this is something which I'll address more later, let's remember something here: Jason and Jenn do this essentially for free. DM staff has never, to my knowledge, been paid for their work here. They do it out of love. Love for this wonderful book series and love for the people that make up this amazing community. While I know that excuses line you quote quite well, having served in the USMC and hearing it for years, I don't feel it's really applicable here. These are volunteers trying to help organize something for a community which they have faithfully and with dedication served for over a decade. The most they get out of their work here is an early release copy of the book. That's it. For thousands of hours a year of work here. That, and a sense of satisfaction in helping to build this community.

Finally, let's consider the problems Jenn had with just sending out the acceptances. Several of these bounced back to her for whatever reason. While I don't know the total number of people that applied, if we assume she was likely to have the same issue, if not worse (because now her distribution list is probably close to a thousand, rather than just a hundred) then to me at least, it doesn't seem like a valuable use of time to send that, knowing how many bounces you're going to get. Also, just look at some of the vitriolic responses here - I can only imagine what they might look like going to emails...

So, with those points considered, I completely understand why it made more sense and ultimately seemed more prudent for Jenn and Jason to simply post the full list here rather than try to send out, for lack of a better term, condolences emails.

Wintersong...Oh, I really don't know precisely how to respond to you. You are new to this site, not a part of the community, but that doesn't mean you should be treated with less respect. Of course, you should offer that same respect to others. First, you seem to think that Dragonmount is somehow making money off of the Memory Keeper positions. That is simply not true at all. You should read the About page at the top, and go to the bottom, reading the Disclaimer of Interest. Yes, DM makes a bit off of selling licensed merchandise through the store, and some DRM-free ebooks as well. I know that they say "the vast majority of our website profits go to funding website upgrades, maintenance, and other projects related to the community" but my guess is that's probably pretty close to 99%. A website like this, with the incredible volume of traffic it receives, costs a LOT of money to maintain in good order. So the little bit of money they are receiving in sales goes to help keep this community alive and thriving, something I am personally eternally grateful for.

In your post, you spew quite a bit of vitriol at Jennifer in particular. Let me tell you something - she works her a** off here to help build this community and make events like this possible. Yes, she was hoping to post the full list on December 26. But she wasn't able to. It was the day after Christmas! Cut her some slack. I know I wasn't as productive at my paying job the day after Christmas as on a normal day, so I can only imagine how unproductive I might be regarding something which I am only volunteering with. You are NOT entitled to monopolize her time, or take away from the time she spends with her family on the holidays. If you want to start ponying up and paying her a salary to work here, then I'm sure she'd consider it (if it were high enough). But until then, you should show some respect. Most likely, you're going to want to respond with something along the lines of "well I'll show respect when it's shown to me". Guess what? It was. The fact that Jennifer and Jason offered Dragonmount to facilitate this process, to even make this process happen, is something HUGE for this entire community. And when I say that, I do not mean just the Dragonmount community, but all of WoT fandom. The fact that Brandon and Harriet are doing this show their immense respect for this community and all members of it. I have NEVER heard of another author doing something like this. Maybe someone can find one, but I've never heard of it. These things are absolutely unprecedented. For you to then behave like you are entitled to them makes me sick to my stomach.

As for complaining about the Baltimore group, well, several new Memory Keepers were chosen as well. Would it have been helpful to mention in the original post that those chosen as Tower Guards for this that are available would be getting to do this again? Sure, but it would have probably caused a lot more drama as well. 

If you don't want to go to a signing (which by the way, doesn't cost you anything other than buying the book, which pretty much all of us are going to do anyways) then great. That's one less person in line for others to wait behind. If you don't want to buy the book until it's available at a used bookstore, great, I am all for supporting used bookstores and small local businesses. My first copy of The Eye of the World came from a used bookstore. The author will have already been paid for that copy so it's no sweat off of his brow. 

Finally, I want to express sadness at your next to last line. You say you will never buy another book from James Oliver Rigney Jr. After A Memory of Light, neither will I, nor will anyone else. And that is horribly, terribly, tragically sad. This wonderful author, this visionary, left us far, far too early, and while I love the job Brandon has done in finishing this series, I wish every day that he didn't have to do it, as I'm quite certain he does as well. That comment from you shows ignorance and an incredible lack of sensitivity. Shame on you.

This series has helped bring families together, build relationships, and get people through some of the darkest of dark times. These books are a treasure, and am so incredibly grateful to have been a part of it since 1993. I was very fortunate and was chosen to be a Memory Keeper. I'm grateful for that opportunity, more than anything, because serving in that role I hope to give something back to this community. Yes, I get to meet with Brandon and Harriett, which will be great. First and last however, I will be trying to help facilitate this event for people to say goodbye to a series that has shaped so many of our lives.